Man with H7N9 dies in Hong Kong

HONG KONG – A 75-year-old man with H7N9, the fourth confirmed local case, died this morning, the Centre for Health Protection said.

Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan, a Community Medicine consultant with the CHP, said the man developed cough on January 26 in Shenzhen in Guangdong province, and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital in Hong Kong on January 28 for fever and shortness of breath. The coroner will investigate the cause of death.

The man travelled alone to Baoan in Shenzhen from January 20 to 26. His residence there is close to a live poultry market, Dr Chuang said.

Five close contacts, who have no symptoms, will be admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital, also in Hong Kong, for tests and observation.

With the Chinese New Year approaching, Dr Chuang advised travellers to the Mainland to avoid contact with live poultry and wild birds, and to reveal any such contact and their travel history to doctors if they fall ill.